Healthy snack ideas for your kids

Do you ever get stuck for ideas when it comes to kids' snacks? It can be hard to find a balance between what tastes good and what is good for them.

Luckily, these three recipes are a life saver and will be sure to keep your kids happy and healthy.

CARROT STICKS WITH HUMMUS DIP

Carrots are the ultimate triple threat - boosting immunity, promoting digestion and preventing constipation. If kept in an air-tight container in the fridge, carrot sticks will stay fresh for up to a week. Serve the vitamin A-rich root vegetable with a homemade hummus for a lunchbox or after school snack.

INGREDIENTS:

400g no-salt-added chickpeas, rinsed and drained

2 garlic cloves, crushed

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup tahini

2 tbs extra virgin olive oil

Carrot sticks to serve

METHOD:

Place chickpeas and garlic in a food processor. Pulse five times or until chopped. Add water and the remaining ingredients. Pulse until well blended. Serve with carrot sticks.

SWEET POTATO CHIPPIES

Trade in regular potato chips for the sweet potato variety. These root vegetables are a great source of beta-carotene, which is essential for maintaining eye health and vision. Go on - swap it like it's hot.

INGREDIENTS:

2 large sweet potatoes

2 tbs extra virgin olive oil

METHOD:

Wash and cut sweet potatoes into thin slices, drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Bake for 35-40 minutes until crisp and golden. Leave to sit for a couple of minutes, then serve.

BANANA & PEANUT BUTTER 'ICE CREAM'

As nature's version of the perfect packaged snack, bananas provide an energy hit and source of folic acid, vitamin B6 and potassium, which are essential for growing kids. Combine this with the proteins and heart-healthy nutrients in peanuts, like niacin and magnesium and you're onto a winning duo.

INGREDIENTS:

3 ripe bananas

2 tbs peanut butter

Roasted peanuts for topping

METHOD:

Peel and slice bananas. Arrange banana slices in a single layer on a large plate or baking sheet and freeze overnight. Blend the frozen banana and some peanut butter until smooth. Top the dessert with crused roasted peanuts, then serve.